Back in college a buddy of mine was into ice climbing and I went with him once. He climbs up this waterfall. I’m behind him (no ropes). I got up about 8 feet and then my legs started shaking, and couldn’t move up!
I climbed down, gathered my thoughts and said to myself it will be okay. Got to that same point and legs started shaking, and no matter how much I willed myself I couldn’t go up any farther. Pretty interesting to me - my body must have had a good instinct on what survival looks like!
Down climbing on vertical ice is very difficult and to be avoided.
The tools are made to swing overhead and pull on the handle.
You can perch on top of the tool but hard to swing upside down.
Your partner should have top roped you.
Very secure and you may have enjoyed it.